Commentary: A few thoughts about the true leader

  • Published
  • By Col. William P. Butler
  • 18th Medical Group deputy commander
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The word leader or leadership is often bandied about without a clue as to what they truly mean other than someone with rank. 

In fact, there are all sorts of associated definitions. Dean Acheson noted that "...the essence of leadership is the successful resolution of problems." HS Gilbertson said leadership "is that ingredient of personality which causes men to follow." And, more formally, Webster's Third New International Dictionary defines a leader as "A person who by force of example, talents, or qualities of leadership plays a directing role, wields commanding influence, or has a following in any sphere of activity or thought." 

From these short definitions several characteristics of a leader can be identified: personality, talent, setting the example, and problem resolution. Personality is a key factor. A true leader is a force, a person that inspires. Examples range from quiet confidence of Gandhi to the fiery arrogance of Hitler. However, the defining factor in personality is the fact that people want to follow a true leader; they want to be around a true leader; they never avoid a true leader. 

The true leader has God-given, experience-honed talent. His expertise is obvious, but he is not an expert in everything. He realizes that fact and is quick to defer to those better equipped to deal with a given issue. Despite delegating the issue, he does not forget it. 

He is quick to praise fine results and equally quick to teach when not so fine. The true leader is slow to sharp criticism. My father once said "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." A true leader remembers and frequently applies that axiom. 

No matter how charismatic, no matter how talented a "leader" might be, he will be ineffective with the wrong example. I remember an instance from years ago. A junior major never failed to get the job done. Sometimes he spent lots of extra hours after work and sometimes those extra hours were on the weekend. 

Because he consistently labored side-by-side with his fellow officers and enlisted, they thought nothing of driving past the parking lot after hours even while doing errands (often going out-of-their-way). If they saw his car, they would park next to it, go inside, and offer to help him. He never accepted their help, but always thanked them for offering. 

The true leader sets the example that all want to emulate. 

The true leader is a problem solver. He does not need the "wisdom of Solomon" or the Code of Hammurabi to be effective. He does not have to have the answer. He merely needs the ability to facilitate logical and coherent thinking. By getting those close to the problem to objectively consider the issue, the answer is often evident. 

The true leader leads his people to solve the problem themselves. Most "leaders" search for problems to solve; however, true leaders realize that bona fide dilemmas will surface without being summoned. These frequently demand immediate attention. 

After a very long day of Korean War sorties, a commander decided to give his maintenance folk the evening off. A crusty old Master Sergeant recognized this as a problem. Readiness would be compromised. He worked his people throughout the night to ensure the jets were good to go. 

That morning the famous Chinese onslaught began. Those jets were ready, the Chinese were engaged, the advance was slowed, and an orderly relatively safe retreat effected. This Master Sergeant recognized a problem. For whatever reason, he elected to forgo any discussion. His men trusted his expertise and knew his example; they followed him all night long. Many lives were saved that morning. 

Much more could be written and has been written on leadership and leaders. Max Eastman once said "...true leadership...is enlightenment and exhortation." A more valid and succinct description does not exist. 

Many "leaders" have talent and expertise, but they are unenlightened. They set no example and are not individuals that people want to be around, much less want to follow. They simply manage. The truly enlightened leader has talent, expertise, and a willingness to get "dirty." 

This combination not only draws people, but also wrings the best from them. Although the true leader does not search out problems to solve, he recognizes when they appear. He addresses them immediately when he must and openly encourages debate when he can. And, always, he is his people's greatest advocate, their greatest cheerleader.